SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120137  Advanced Certificate in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 01213/23  2023-02-02  2026-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-02-02   2030-02-02  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Business Management is to provide learners with a sound knowledge base in the discipline of Business Management. The qualification is an industry-oriented qualification designed to cater for the growing needs of qualified staff in the organisational and commercial sectors. This qualification emphasises developmental management principles together with more specific procedures and their application and/or technology transfer. Learners with this qualification will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to their organisation and undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

This qualification is intended for learners who want to specialise in business management or to provide a career option to those learners who wish to strengthen their existing formal qualification in business management and/or to provide application skills to those learners that have grasped the theoretical knowledge of business management. The qualification will allow learners to engage in the workplace with the necessary mid-level managerial knowledge and skills to add value and play a vital role in developing their organisations. This will be achieved by strengthening and integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the disciplines of Strategic Management, Organisational Behaviour, Customer Relationship Management, Marketing Management, Project Management, Managerial Economics, Financial Management and Quantitative Techniques. This will allow learners to manage and contribute to existing, developing, and emerging socio-economic fluctuations in their organisation whilst addressing the requirements of the stakeholders.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Comprehend the principles of Business Management and the socio-economic implications involved in managing organisations and adhering to stakeholder requirements.
  • Select and apply appropriate methodologies aligned with the principles of financial accounting and quantitative techniques.
  • Apply marketing and customer relationship theory and techniques to capitalise on developing and emerging market trends relevant to the organisation.
  • Develop and select appropriate managerial methods to address organisational challenges related to people management, practices, systems, and processes.
  • Utilise appropriate strategic and project management initiatives to deliver effective and efficient outputs that contribute to organisational value.

    Rationale:
    The South African economy is characterized by both high levels of unemployment, and severe shortages of certain skills demanded in the economy. Critical shortages exist in the management sector across the mid and semi-skilled spectrum, ranging from managers and professionals to artisans and technically trained workers. The South African government has identified these shortages as one of the binding constraints to achieving higher and shared economic growth in the country. Skills development, therefore, remains one of the priority areas for government intervention and this qualification attempts to address this shortage. This qualification is a response to the workplace need for competent managers across all economic sectors. The current and future need for competent middle and senior managers has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values required by managers are captured in this qualification.

    The qualification is designed to advance the objectives of the NQF since it will contribute to the full development of learners while fostering the social and economic development of the nation at large. The qualification aims to reinforce the existing knowledge constructs associated with business management by teaching learners' business management theories and management competencies to assist organisations in analysing business processes. Learners who would benefit from this qualification are typically employed managers at middle and senior management levels, although access is not restricted to such learners. Learners who have experienced difficulties to advance in their careers would be able to use the Level 6 qualification to develop the management competence required for appointment to more senior management positions. Learners with intellectual interests and the commitment to pursue those interests in a rigorous and challenging environment will be great candidates for the qualification. This qualification will offer learners advanced coursework and industry interaction opportunities in fields related to business management.

    The current commercial environment is dynamic and highly competitive, with individuals moving between applied working environments, and management or skilled positions. The qualification was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the business sector. This qualification will seek to provide learners with the requisite business management skills that are required for them to become adaptive and innovative contributors not only to their organisation but to the economy and the sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Occupational Certificate: Small Business Consultant, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Recognised equivalent cognate qualification, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • Strategic Management, 20 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour, 20 Credits.
  • Managerial Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 12 Credits.
  • Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Customer Relationship Management, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the main areas of one or more business management practices, including an understanding of and the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of business management and the socio-economic implications involved in managing organisations and adhering to stakeholder requirements.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies aligned with the principles of financial accounting and quantitative techniques.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate marketing and customer relationship theories, methods, procedures and/or techniques to develop emerging market trends relevant to the organisation.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in investigation or application processes within a defined context.
    5. Implement the appropriate strategic and project management initiatives to deliver effective and efficient outputs that contribute to organisational value. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply key principles of business management and the socio-economic implications involved in managing organisations and adhere to stakeholder requirements.
  • Compare key principles of organisational systems to one another and espouse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
  • Assess the impact of international free trade and the use of alternative exchange rate regimes upon business performance and make recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explore the role and environment of financial management.
  • Apply the fundamental mathematical and statistical concepts in the quantitative aspects related to Managerial Economics, Financial Management and Marketing Management.
  • Identify and apply appropriate methodologies aligned with the principles of financial accounting and quantitative techniques to the given scenario in an accurate manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discuss the role played by marketing in the consumer market, the service market, and the non-profit market and outline the distinction.
  • Examine the nature and role of Customer Relationship Management in building customer relationships and maintaining customer service and apply it to a contextualised situation.
  • Identify what customers value and devise appropriate service strategies for each customer.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss the critical elements essential for a manager in today's business sector and validate by way of evidence.
  • Evaluate and interpret theories in organisational dynamics and apply these theories to given scenarios.
  • Develop and select suitable managerial methods to address organisational challenges in people management, practices, systems, and processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain how business performance is related to strategic management.
  • Discuss the importance of theories, principles, and concepts in project management.
  • Espouse the critical elements that contribute to the successful management of a project.
  • Analyse the important concepts of strategic management and distinguish them from one another based on the critical elements unique to each concept.
  • Discuss how the effective, strategic management of human resources leads to the strategic goal achievement of the organisation.
  • Identify and apply appropriate strategies and project management initiatives which contribute to organisational value.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessment is imperative for this qualification to ensure that learners understand how the various modules link to each other and contribute to the decision-making process within a business context. An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification. Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of business management, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. The assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values shown in the qualification will be integrated. Assessment of advanced knowledge of fundamentals of business management will be integrated with other aspects and will use practical contexts wherever possible.

    The assessment strategy is designed to fully support the achievement of the outcomes of the qualification.
    The assessment plan will include a schedule of assessments to be conducted during the year. It will also include assessment criteria, assessment methods, weighting, and timing of assessment. The integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative Assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to feed back into the teaching and learning process. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessment informs and strengthens both the teaching and learning process and the learner improves from their areas of difficulty.

    Formative assessments will serve to measure the learning that has taken place and the degree to which the module outcomes have been obtained. Formative assessment opportunities take the form of class tests, question, and answer sessions, assignments, presentations, and monitoring of practical work.

    Summative Assessment:
    A summative assignment in the form of an individual written assignment that requires the practical application of the module content to learners' workplaces will be administered after learners have completed contact sessions or online learning sessions. For summative assessment, especially where more than one marker is involved, internal moderation checks are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures. Summative assessment will include written tests, assignments, case studies, presentations, projects, written class tests and/or examinations.

    Academic staff who teach a course/module are responsible for designing, implementing, and marking both formative and summative learner assessments, recording results and providing timeous feedback to learners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally, most universities do not offer the Advanced Certificate as a qualification type at the undergraduate level. The Diploma is an example of an equivalent undergraduate qualification of a one-year duration. The qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The Open University
    Qualification Title: Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management
    Duration: One-year full time
    Credits: 120

    Entry requirements:
    There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
    Purpose:
    This qualification will provide learners with:
  • An introduction to the theoretical and work-based knowledge relevant to the application of business management in theory and practice
  • An ability to recognise key individual and stakeholder differences in business management and the issues arising from such diversity.
  • An awareness of the operations, structures, cultures and functioning of business organisations and the complex nature of their key business functions and processes
  • Several important business skills, which you can bring to your employment in business management more widely.
  • Support and guidance to develop as an independent learner.

    Upon completion of this certificate, learners will be able to demonstrate:
  • An understanding of the main concepts, theories and principles associated with business management.
  • Develop, as appropriate, practical and professional skills and demonstrate an awareness of relevant responsible and ethical issues in business management.
  • Recognise predictable problems and use a range of problem-solving processes appropriate to business management
  • Gather, evaluate, and interpret information/data in accordance with the theories, concepts, and principles of business management.
  • Determine priorities and sequences of the steps involved in defining tasks and identify and assemble resources required.
  • Communicate ideas in a well-structured and coherent way that is appropriate to your purpose and audience and in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Contribute to group discussion, recognising and following accepted conventions of social interaction whilst sharing relevant content.
  • Develop the skills in finding, selecting, and using information, data and tools in defined contexts.

    Assessment:
    Assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the components of the qualification is achieved through a combination of continuous assessment and, for some modules, an end-of-module assessment (EMA) or examination. The continuous assessment element consists of a series of tutor-marked assignments (TMAs). These are central to the teaching of the module as they enable tutors to assess and comment on your knowledge and understanding. Some modules also incorporate interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assessment of practice-based learning in the compulsory business and management module enables you to relate module concepts to your own experience and reflect on your learning and practice.

    Similarities:
  • The Open University (OU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • The UO and SA qualifications have a minimum of 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications will equip learners with in-depth business management knowledge and skills which are recognised by employers as having great value for work in management and related business professions such as marketing, finance, and Human Resources in a variety of business sectors.
  • Both qualifications are assessed using formative and summative assessment methods.
  • The OU qualification consists of the following compulsory modules which are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Essentials of Management and Leadership compares with Strategic Management.
  • Communication in a Diverse and Changing Workplace compare with Organisational Behaviour.
  • Fundamentals of Digital Marketing and Media for Business and Administrators compare with Marketing Management.
  • Introduction to Business Process Optimization compares with Project Management
  • Modern Business Writing compares with Customer Relationship Management
  • Finance for Business and Administrators compare with Financial Management

    Differences:
  • The UO qualification has no formal entry requirements whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who hold a Level 5 qualification in the cognate field.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of California
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Business Administration
    Duration: One Year full time

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The institution offers a well-recognised qualification closely related to the Advanced Certificate in Business Management and has excellent approaches to blended teaching and learning methodologies that can be adopted. This series of courses will provide a solid foundation in business management and ensure exposure to the elements essential to success as a manager in the public or private sector. The knowledge in the areas of finance, human resources, marketing, leadership, management, communication, and business analysis are disseminated in this qualification. The qualification is designed to ensure learners confidently face the demands and challenges of today's business environment. Special prep courses lay the groundwork for those who plan to pursue a Master of Business Administration.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Develop or refine management and leadership skills to enhance current job performance, increase
    opportunities for advancement and gain greater career flexibility.
  • Understand basic financial theories and practices for improved bottom-line management.
  • Obtain an understanding of the various aspects of marketing.
  • Learn techniques for basic business analysis and strategic planning.
  • Explore the fundamentals of human resources management including recruitment, interviewing,
    appraisal, organizational analysis, and workforce diversity.
  • Network with peers and other industry professionals.
  • Gain an understanding of the Business Process Optimization framework and business improvement methodologies.
    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of six compulsory modules totalling 12.5 Units.

    Similarities:
  • The University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one-year full-time study.
  • The UCI and SA qualifications are intended for the newly appointed or prospective managers from sales, marketing, purchasing, finance, and human resources in either public or private industry will develop the tools necessary to confidently face the demands and challenges of today's business environment.
  • Both qualifications share similar exit-level outcomes.
  • The following UCI compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Essentials of Management and Leadership, 3.00 Units compares with Strategic Management and Managerial Economics in SA qualification.
  • Fundamentals of Digital Marketing and Media for Business and Administrators, 2.00 Units compares with Marketing Management in SA qualification.
  • Finance for Business and Administrators, 1.50 Units compares with Financial Management in SA qualification.
  • Communication in a Diverse and Changing Workplace, 2.00 Units compares with Organisational Behaviour in SA qualification.
  • Introduction to Business Process Optimization, 1.50 Units. compares with Strategic Management in SA qualification.
  • Modern Business Writing, 2.50 Units compares with Customer Relationship Management in SA qualification.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: Namibia University of Science and Technology
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Business Process Management
    NQF Level: Level 6
    Duration: Two Years
    Entry Requirements:
    Admission is based on completion of Grade 12 or equivalent qualification: Prospective learners should have a matriculation certificate or equivalent, with a maximum of 5 qualifying subjects, which must yield a score of at least 25 points Evaluation Scale. A candidate should obtain an E symbol or better in English.

    Purpose:
    The Diploma in Business Process Management is designed to equip learners with a broad knowledge in the areas of business economics, accounting, retail, marketing, sales, and logistics. The qualification allows for an early exit with a Certificate in Business Process Management (NQF Level 5) after successful completion of the first year of study. Learners who exit with a Certificate will be able to find employment in the industry as warehouse administration clerks, clearing and forwarding consultants administrators, and clerks (debtors, planning, control, and export).

    Similarities:
  • The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the South African qualifications are registered at NQF Level 6.
  • The purpose of both qualifications is to provide learners with the necessary skills and business process management tools and techniques needed to improve, manage, and maintain processes within the transport, logistics and related industries.

    The following NUST Year two compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Introduction to Marketing and Environment compares with Marketing Management in SA qualification.
  • Marketing Principles compares with Marketing Management in SA qualification.
  • Fundamentals of Logistics Management compares with Project Management in SA qualification.
  • Operational Logistics Management compares with Project Management in SA qualification.
  • Retail Management compares with Customer Relationship Management in SA qualification.
  • Business Accounting 2A and 2B compares with Financial Management in SA qualification.
  • Basic Business Statistics 1A compares with Quantitative Techniques in SA qualification.

    Differences:
    The NUST qualification takes two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The NUST qualification requires applicants who completed the secondary school qualification whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who hold the Higher Certificate in Business Management or cognate field.
  • The NUST qualification allows for an early exit with a Certificate in Business Process Management (NQF Level 5) after successful completion of the first year of study.

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: Monaghan Institute of Further Education and Training
    Qualification Title: Advanced Certificate in Information Technology and Business Management
    Duration: One Year
    NQF Level: QQI Level 6
    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants for this Advanced Certificate course must have already successfully obtained a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 Certificate in Business Administration, Business Studies, eBusiness, Information Processing or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    Business is at the forefront of every sector and companies require people who can build bridges between IT and business and innovate using Information Technology (IT) resources. As a graduate in IT and Business Management, learners will be perfectly suited for a career at the in-demand juncture between management and computer science.

    The qualification is designed to equip the learner with a superior level of computing skills and a detailed knowledge of practices and processes relating to the business environment. Successful participants will receive a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Business.

    Similarities:
  • The Monaghan Institute of Further Education and Training (MIFET) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered in one year of full-time study.
  • Both the MIFET and SA qualifications are registered at Level 6.
  • The MIFET and SA qualifications require applicants who hold the Level 5 Certificate in Business Administration, Business Studies or equivalent.
  • The following MIFET compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Business Management compares with Strategic Management, Marketing Management and Project Management in SA qualification. > Applied Economics compares with Managerial Economics in SA qualification.
  • Computerised Accounts compares with Financial Management in SA qualification.
  • Communications compares with Customer Relationship Management in SA qualification.
  • Statistics compares with Quantitative Techniques in SA qualification.

    Differences:
    The MIFET qualification combines both IT and business management whereas the SA qualification focuses only on business management and not IT. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management in Change Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management in Project Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management in Operational Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management in Risk Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business and Information Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Information Technology, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Studies, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Marketing Management in Business Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Durban University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.